Small thespian shows big competitive spirit in Theatre Olympics

By
Camille Doty
June 19, 2011 at 1:19 a.m.Updated June 20, 2011 at 1:20 a.m.

John Bishop, 10, Sarah Adams, 9, and Grayson Maples, 8, cheer for their team, The Understudies, during the tricycle and trivia event at the Triple Threat Theatre Summer Camp's T3 Olympics event held at Theatre Victoria.

Michaela Pate has all the ingredients of a true thespian. She's expressive, outgoing and driven.

On Thursday she was a little competitive during the Theatre Victoria's Triple Threat Olympics.

Instead of red, white and blue American flags, teams carried red, yellow, and blue to represent their groups The Principles, The Understudies and The Swings.

One of the older kids took Michaela's Swing flag. And she wasn't too pleased.

"I needed to get our flag back," she said.

The strategic 9-year-old waited until her opponents let down their guard to reclaim what's rightfully hers.

The team worked together not only to get their flag back, but the Understudies' as well.

Michaela admitted she's a little competitive but her Christian faith keeps her grounded.

Participants played Prop Swap, The Great Matchway, and Quick Costume Change, Michaela's favorite.

Michaela, may be a part of the youngest group, but her theatrical knowledge matched her high school competitors.

"I had the easiest question," she said. She even tested herself during her teammates' turn because she said she's committed to acting.

The Faith Academy student said she's known she's wanted to act and sing since she was old enough to understand.

"It's what I want to do. I was called by God to do it, and I'm sticking with it," she said.

Michaela also has her aunt, Christy Sutherland, a Christian music artist, as an inspiration.

She said she's performed at Faith Family Church in the play, "It's a Wonderful Life." On Saturday she will make her Theatre Victoria debut in "Cinderella" as the Fairy Godmother.

Instead of a gladiator arena, 60 budding thespians used the theater's parking lot as a battle ground. No spears were thrown, but the words cut just as deep.

Each group had to do a cheer. The Swings chanted why they were the best.

The Swings took a friendly dig at The Understudies' "Aladdin" production. "Our princess is way cuter than Jasmine." They sang in perfect harmony.

Camp Director Michael Teer said the Olympics are a nice break from the week-long camp.

"You gotta have a party at camp. It's just a friendly competition," he said.

Michaela, the future actress/singer, said she likes the competitive aspect, but she's enjoyed making friends doing what she loves.

Her mother, Courtney McCarty, said her daughter goes home to practice everyday. Michaela will sing, "Bippity Boppity Boo."

As contestants waited for the final score, Michaela held her head in the air with folded hands praying. Her team, came in second place. They only lost by a few points to the Principles, the teenagers.

She graciously accepted her fate and said. "That's OK, at least we beat the Understudies."